“Councils are taking a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and this means using every power at their disposal – including seizing and destroying vehicles used by the dumpers.

“We are pleased the Government has responded to our call for councils to be given appropriate powers to combat litter thrown from cars.

“Road litter is a big problem for councils at a time when they are experiencing significant budget pressures. It is difficult and expensive to clear rubbish from roadsides and it poses a clear environmental hazard, which impacts on wildlife.

“The current law states that councils have to prove who in the vehicle has thrown the litter out of the window, which is normally an impossible task. That is why it is important that councils can now fine the owners, making them legally responsible for the litter, regardless of who threw it.

“Councils want to work with households so that they can dispose of reasonable household waste easily and cost-effectively and already provide a range of bulky waste collection services, which are often free and picked-up from people’s doorsteps.”